The police watchdog may investigate the Metropolitan Police after the force revealed that offices had previously spoken to missing student nurse Owami Davies. The 24-year-old was last seen on July 7 in Derby Road, Croydon after leaving her family home in Grays, Essex. Her family reported her missing on July 6. On Saturday, the Met Police revealed that officers had spoken to Ms Davies on the day she was reported missing after being called to an address in Clarendon Road, Croydon. Police officers and the ambulance service attended and spoke to Ms Davies, who told them she did not need help. Although she was reported missing, she was not marked as missing in the police database and was only later identified as Mrs Davies during the search for her.
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The officers in question are not under investigation, but the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) was consulted before the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) asked that the matter be referred to them. The IOPC is currently reviewing and receiving further information from the Met, and has yet to make a decision on whether to investigate the matter as it stands. In a statement, Scotland Yard said: “The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) was consulted and as the police were contacted the IOPC was informed. “The IOPC asked that the matter be referred to them. The officers are not subject to any current investigation by DPS. “The interaction captured on the officers’ body-worn video was viewed by members of the Independent Advisory Panel and Owami’s family to ensure transparency and openness.” The IOPC said in a statement: “We can confirm that we received a referral on August 5 from the Metropolitan Police in relation to officers’ contact with Owami Davies in Croydon on July 6 after she was reported missing to Essex Police. “We are currently evaluating the available information to determine what further action may be required.” On Thursday, British Transport Police issued a statement claiming Ms Davies may still be using the rail network but in a “vulnerable or confused state”. CCTV released last week showed her wearing a dark jacket, a red Adidas T-shirt and light gray joggers at 12.30pm. to walk north on London Road away from West Croydon towards Norbury. Officers working on the investigation have recovered around 50,000 hours of footage which will need to be cross-referenced. Mrs Davies was nearing the end of her studies and had secured a job at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital. He had worked in A&E during the Covid-19 pandemic and was interested in doing disease research. Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8721 4622. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
